January-December 2000 Vol.20, No. 1-4

10 July 2022 Dansalan Quarterly

The drivers of conflict are complex and often difficult to resolve. Conflict resolution and peace talks is a grievous process that takes time. This journal articulates just how conflict and conflict resolution are inherent among the Maranao themselves. It also shares a report on the peace negotiation between the GRP and the MILF. In “The Role of Communication in Meranao Conflict Resolution,” Bula details how the Maranaos follow a common pattern in resolving their conflict, which begins from tracing the family descent of the conflicting parties and being able to find the connection of this temporarily broken lineage. Their means of conflict resolution ends with the reconnection of this disjoined line of ancestry. The writer further finds how there are two sides of the coin when it comes to communication in Maranao–communication can cause and escalate conflict, but it can also resolve conflict. Communication can also revive resolved and forgotten conflicts, largely due to unguarded pronouncements as a result of communication interactions. The next paper shares agreements and joint statements between the GRP and the MILF with regard to peace talks. In a joint press release held in 2000, the two parties announced that they resolved to continue the peace talks and to undertake necessary actions to normalize the peace and order situation in Mindanao. This indeed is a commendable step towards genuine peace.

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